Looking for a solid checking account bonus this summer? Bluestone Bank is offering $400 cash just for opening a new checking account and meeting some straightforward requirements. But here’s the catch – you need to stick with it for 3 consecutive months to earn that bonus.
Let me break down exactly what this offer entails and whether it’s worth your time, because the devil is always in the details with bank bonuses.
TLDR: $400 bonus for new checking accounts opened July 14 – September 1, 2025. Requirements: $5K relationship balance, $1K monthly direct deposits, 5 debit purchases monthly for 3 straight months. Available in MA, RI, and NH only.
Looking for easy cash bonuses available nationwide? Our guide to the best bank bonuses has huge offers from BMO & Chase—grab them before they’re gone!
How the $400 Bonus Actually Works
Here’s exactly what you need to do to earn that $400:
Open a qualifying account between July 14 and September 1, 2025
Maintain $5,000+ relationship balance (checking, savings, or money market combined)
Set up direct deposits totaling at least $1,000 per month
Use your debit card for 5+ purchases monthly
Do this consistently for 3 consecutive months within your first 6 months
The timeline: Complete all requirements for 3 straight months, then Bluestone deposits your $400 bonus.
My take: This is more involved than simple deposit bonuses, but $400 for banking activities you might do anyway isn’t bad – if you can commit to the routine.
Trending Checking Account Deal:
Your Checking Account Options
Bluestone gives you four account types to choose from, each with different perks:
AddVantage Checking
- Tiered benefits based on your balance
- ATM fee rebates ($10-$25 monthly)
- Special CD rates and safe deposit discounts
- $20 monthly fee (waived with $10K average balance)
eVantage Checking
- Cash back on debit card transactions
- Up to 5 ATM fee reimbursements monthly
- Must meet monthly qualifications to earn benefits
Free Checking
- No monthly fees, ever
- No minimum balance requirements
- Unlimited check writing
- Basic but solid option
Free Checking for Seniors (65+)
- All Free Checking benefits
- Plus it earns 0.01% interest
- Designed specifically for seniors
Which should you choose? If you’re doing this purely for the bonus and have less than $10K to maintain, go with Free Checking. No sense paying monthly fees just to earn a bonus.
Trending Savings Account Deal:
The Geographic Limitation (Important)
Here’s something that might stop you right away: this offer is only available to residents of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
If you don’t live in one of these states, you’re out of luck. Bluestone Bank is a regional bank focused on New England, so they’re not trying to compete nationally like the big online banks.
Breaking Down the Requirements
Let’s be honest about what you’re signing up for:
$5,000 relationship balance: This needs to be maintained at month-end across all your Bluestone accounts. The good news? It includes checking, savings, and money market accounts, so you have flexibility.
$1,000 monthly direct deposits: Your paycheck, Social Security, pension – any qualifying direct deposit counts. Most people can hit this easily.
5 debit card purchases monthly: Buy coffee, gas, groceries – just make sure to use your debit card instead of credit for small purchases.
3 consecutive months: Miss any requirement in any month and you start over. This is where people usually trip up.
Is This Bonus Worth It?
Here’s my honest assessment:
The math works: $400 for 3 months of specific banking behavior equals roughly $133 per month in “earnings” for following their rules.
The requirements are reasonable: If you’re already doing direct deposit and using a debit card regularly, this isn’t a huge lifestyle change.
The time commitment is real: 3 consecutive months means you can’t slack off or forget. Set calendar reminders.
Regional limitation: Only works if you live in MA, RI, or NH and can actually use this as your primary checking account.
How to Maximize This Offer
Want to make this as painless as possible? Here’s my strategy:
- Choose Free Checking unless you genuinely need the premium features
- Set up automatic direct deposit immediately – don’t wait
- Use the debit card for small, regular purchases like coffee or gas
- Set monthly calendar reminders to check your progress
- Keep the $5K balance in high-yield savings at Bluestone if their rates are competitive
Pro tip: Track your progress monthly. Don’t assume you’re meeting requirements – verify them.
Trending Cash Bonus
Bluevine is offering a $300 cash bonus just for signing up. It’s a quick and easy way to score some extra cash. Click the link below to get all the details.
The Competition Check
How does this stack up against other checking bonuses?
Chase: Often offers $200-$300 bonuses with similar requirements
Bank of America: Typically $100-$200 for new checking accounts
Wells Fargo: Usually $200-$300 with direct deposit requirements
Bluestone’s $400 is competitive, especially for a regional bank. The 3-month commitment is longer than some competitors, but the payout is higher too.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Limited branch network: This is a regional bank, so don’t expect nationwide ATM access
3-month commitment: Longer than many bank bonuses
Geographic restrictions: MA, RI, NH residents only
Relationship balance requirement: You need to keep $5K with them, not just deposit it
Bottom Line
Bluestone Bank’s $400 summer bonus is solid if you live in their service area and can commit to 3 months of consistent banking behavior. The requirements aren’t unreasonable, and $400 is genuine money for activities you might do anyway.
But don’t sign up unless you’re prepared to follow through. Missing requirements in month 2 means starting over, and that’s just frustrating.
Ready to claim your $400? Visit Bluestone Bank before September 1, 2025, but make sure you can realistically meet their requirements for 3 straight months.
Have you tried regional bank bonuses before? How do they compare to national banks in your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments.
See the Best Checking & Savings Account Bonuses and Start Earning Free Cash Today
Disclosure: This offer is limited to residents of MA, RI, and NH. Terms and conditions apply. The $400 bonus will be reported as taxable income.
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